The Killers are one of my all-time favorite bands! They are one of the greatest American rock bands ever, and for sure one of the best of the 21st century. Led by frontman Brandon Flowers, The Killers released Hot Fuss in 2004, and the world has never been the same. Their music feels both modern and nostalgic, and it was really hard to narrow down all of their great songs to just eleven. I was a sophomore in college when Hot Fuss came out, so I've really grown up with The Killers, and their music has definitely shaped the kind of person I am today. They are bold, edgy, flamboyant and their music is catchy and anthemic. Here are 11 of my favorite songs by this incredible band we all love.
Number 11 - "We Did It In The Name Of Love"
Only Available on Social Media, released Christmas of 2023
This song feels like a love child between Sam's Town and Imploding The Mirage. As one person on YouTube states, this song is "A little 80's, a little Elvis and a lot of Killers". It's one of their best songs, and that's saying something with all of the incredible anthems they've produced over the last few decades! As a child of the late 80's, this song feels very nostalgic! I had to include it on my list, but it's number 11 because it was only released on social media and not officially on any album, that I'm aware of.
Number 10 - "I Can't Stay"
From the Album “Day & Age”, released in 2008
If I could invent a time machine, I would go back in time to attend this concert The Killers had at Royal Albert Hall in 2009. Everything about this clip (above) is magical - the intimate venue, the incredible vocals of Brandon Flowers, the intense seriousness of Ronnie's drumming throughout, the Caribbean feel of the song, the saxophone player and just the vibe of the band jamming out together well after the song was over. This was peak Killers! This song also came out right after I graduated college, so every time I listen to it, it takes me back to those post-college days of house parties and "growing up" a bit.
Number 9 - "Runaways"
From the Album “Battle Born”, released in 2012
Four years after The Killers released Day & Age, they make their triumphant return, with the most killer comeback (pun intended) that anyone could have hoped to hear! Runaways is an incredible album, and the title track feels like the band re-embracing their inner Springsteen. This is one of those songs that you listen at the gym or while going for a jog. It starts off slow, but crescendos to the point where I ultimately feel like I can conquer the world! One of my all time favorite Killers tracks ever!!
Number 8 - "Joy Ride"
From the Album “Day & Age”, released in 2008
I'm not going to lie - 'Joy Ride' took awhile to grow on me. It's kind of hidden in the album behind more well-known tracks such as 'Human' and 'Losing Touch', but in my opinion, it's not only one of the best songs on the album, but one of The Killers best songs ever. This song is a bit of a departure from the band, but it's definitely one of their most energetic and fun tracks of all time! Song hack: fast forward to 2:09 and be prepared to dance and live your best life!
Number 7 - "Bright Lights"
Single Released in 2024 In Honor of Their Las Vegas Residency
'Bright Lights' is truly a celebration of The Killers and their 20 years of incredible contributions to the music industry. It's bold, its exciting and it's larger than life - just like the band! This song also reunites the original band members, including Dave Kuening, Brandon Flowers, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vanucci, Jr. It will mark the first time the four original band members have played together, for more than a one-off show, since 2017. This is an instant classic, and it's definitely worth celebrating one of the best bands of all time!
Number 6 - "Running Towards A Place"
From the Album “Imploding The Mirage”, released in 2020
Everytime I listen to this song, it takes me back to a very specific moment where I was quarantined in Dripping Springs during the Covid-19 pandemic, and staying at my wife's cousin's house for what felt like a month (in a good way)! I listened to this album almost every day, and as cheesy as it might sound, it gave me hope when things felt bleak. As the song states, "Because we're running towards a place, where we'll walk as one. And the sadness of this life, will be overcome". Epic!!
Number 5 - "Human"
From the Album “Day & Age”, released in 2008
Any list of great Killers songs that doesn't include 'Human' shouldn't be taken seriously. It's one of the most catchy and recognizable songs by the band, and one of the favorites for those seeing The Killers in concert. It sounds very 80's, blending influences from both Bruce Springsteen and New Order. As one person on YouTube states, "This song takes you to infinite levels of happiness and optimism. Definitely, the world needs more of this."
Number 4 - "Somebody Told Me"
From the Album “Hot Fuss”, released in 2004
Rolling Stone once said this single was a "nightclub anthem in the making" and "blasts into outer space on a wave of synthesizers and Brandon Flowers' cheeky chorus." Not only is it a great song, it's one of The Killers most iconic and famous songs of all time. I was a sophomore in college when this song came out, so for me, it will always remind me of those house parties where we danced the night away and had very few real world worries, if any. What a time to be alive!!
Number 3 - "Bones"
From the Album “Sam's Town”, released in 2006
This song hooks you from the very beginning and never lets go. This is the song that fully captures the synth-rock tag bestowed upon The Killers. Aside from how incredible the music is, the lyrics are the real star of the show here. "Don't you wanna come with me? Don't you wanna feel my bones on your bones? It's only natural." I believe the song is about human contact, and love so deep between two human beings that they become so close they can feel each other's bones when connecting.
Number 2 - "Caution"
From the Album “Imploding The Mirage”, released in 2020
I know what you're thinking, why is this song ranked so high on this list?? Well, it just hits all the right notes for me, and as I've said before on this list, Imploding The Mirage holds a special place in my heart for helping me get through a challenging time in life. When this song hits, IT HITS! 'Caution' is an infectious anthem of hope. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we were very much in need of a new jam to get us through the social distancing and quarantine, and this song was very much our savior! In my opinion, it's about as perfect as you can get, and it's why I love The Killers so much.
Number 1 - "All These Things That I've Done"
From the Album “Hot Fuss”, released in 2004
Was there any other option for the number 1 song?! This is peak Killers, and one of my all time favorite songs from any band or artist ever. The gospel influence in this song is what helps it become iconic, with the choir (along with all of us) singing, "I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier". When I ask my son Hampton what he wants to listen to in the car, he says "the soldier song". Even he knows it's great, and because it's his favorite song, it pushes this song all the way to the top of the list.
Fun Fact: The Killer's got their band name from a logo on the bass drum of a fictional band in the music video for New Order's song "Crystal". Didn't see your favorite song on the list, or think one should be added, shoot me a message and let's chat!